Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya has officially set the mark for a new chess marathon of 58 hours around 2:30 WAT on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
On Thursday, the champion went on a mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon. Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad were the previous owners, holding it for 56 hours and 9 minutes.
According to The Gift of Chess on X, who posted at 12:34 am on Saturday, “56 Hours Straight, The Record Is SET TO BREAK.”
Tunde confirmed the new record via his X account:
“We have done it.
“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why—the reason we are doing this.
“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.
The challenge was held at the New York City Times Square to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa. He is the convener of Chess in the Slums, an NGO to equip children with the power of chess.
Tunde Onakoya was joined by the US National Chess Champion 23 hours into the game.
“This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.
“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”
“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” said Chess in the Slums.
Notable figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold have all supported Tunde.
